MLB Trade Rumors: Marlins Inquired on Orioles Nolan Reimold

Jerry Crasnick of ESPN reported yesterday that the Miami Marlins recently asked the Baltimore Orioles about the availability of outfielder Nolan Reimold.  However, due to Reimold’s projected role with the Orioles in 2012, Crasnick predicted that the outfielder is “not going anywhere”.

Since making his major league debut in 2009, Reimold has battled several ailments that have impeded his on-the-field production.  Still, the 28-year-old has made enough of an impression on the Orioles that he is expected to start in left field for the Birds and be their leadoff hitter.

Over his first 358 major league at-bats, Reimold posted an OPS of .831 with 15 home runs and 18 doubles.  In his next season Reimold struggled with injuries and ineffectiveness, resulting in only 39 games played with the Orioles and a meager line of .207/.282/.328.

Reimold rebounded a bit last season, hitting at a clip of .247/.328/.453 with 13 home runs over his 267 at-bats.

Now, with Brian Roberts’ injury and a lack of alternatives, the Orioles are prepared to name Reimold as their leadoff hitter.  His on base percentage in the majors has been pedestrian (.339), but Reimold did showcase a better than average eye in the minors (.376 OBP).  The former center field prospect has also been more active on the base paths this spring.

The Orioles are likely to hold onto Reimold and give him a shot to show what he can do over a full season.  With the presence of Logan Morrison and Giancarlo Stanton in Miami, the Marlins don’t have a starting role available for Reimold and likely weren’t offering the Orioles much in exchange for him.

For more on the Marlins and Orioles, be sure to check out Marlin Maniac and Birds Watcher.

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